Shotshell Reloading Problem

T

TheKlawMan

Moderator
My problem is a variant of one I asked about months ago; inconsistent powder drops with a MEC Sizemaster. I am using a MEC charge bar and Promo powder.What is going on is I was getting powder drops that were fairly consistently running between 17.6 and 18.1 grains when I noticed that the powder bottle was getting load and I decided to add more powder. This is from the same 8 pound cask of Promo. Immediately my powder drops dropped to between 17.0 and 17.5 grains.

I am wondering if it is possible that the powder that had been in the bottle for the last couple of weeks, during which we had a few rainy days, could have absorbed enough moisture form the air to cause the same amount by volume to weight an average of half a grain more per drop?

My scales aren't great but I believe they are fairly accurate. When checking drops I have been very careful to make sure that all of the poweder is dumped from the hull into the pan of the scale.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to what may be going on?
 
I have found over the years that the amount of powder in the bottle does effect the powder drop somewhat due to weight differential at the orifice. Try giving the bottle a few light taps to make sure the bar is filling consistently. Try that and weigh a few and see if that works for you!
 
First - do not leave your bottles full of powder - and that is even more important when you reload outside of a climate-controlled environment.

As mentioned, keep your powder hopper consistently full - I refill when it gets to the half-way mark, and I use the red PC powder baffle - that has helped keep drops consistent.

Before filling next time, take a dryer sheet and wipe down the inside as best as you can - that will help prevent that "static cling" just like in the dryer
 
Also dust the charge bar chanel...

with graphite powder. This will make this slide easier!

Use the baffle and keep more than 1/4 full.
 
Before anyone else mentions baffles "my Sizemaster is set up with the red plastic powder baffle." Post 3. Klawman, heres the number for Mec. (800) 797-4632 Its there tech support and they would be more than happy to help. I have used this number several times. Please, if you call, share with everyone the advice that they suggest. Also Cuzin, what part of the country is it that you have problems with plastic flys?
 
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Olddrum, Calling MEC may be a good idea. I went to that red plastic baffle about 6 months ago because the potmettle one it came with (I bought it used) didn't seem to do the trick.
 
Also try a grounding wire from the metal cap of charge bar

to a earth ground, being in CA you might have a static electricity problem???

What general location id CA?
 
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